Category: The Foundation

Industrial Training Services Donates $5,000 to Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House

Posted on January 3, 2023 by - Donor Stories, The Foundation

Industrial Training Services of Murray recently presented a $5,230 donation to The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital in support of the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House. This donation was given in memory and honor of one of their employees, Kellie Connell.

“We are so thankful to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House for taking such great care of our Kellie in her final days,” said Stephanie Balmer, ITS President & CEO. “We chose the hospice house to be this year’s fundraiser recipient at our annual ITS User Conference and raised $5,230 to help support their daily operational needs. Our team and clients were able to celebrate Kellie’s memory with an evening full of fellowship and laughter. How blessed this community is to have a facility that provides the utmost care to their patients and loved ones to experience end-of-life care in a peaceful, meaningful way.”

Pictured from left: Kayla Huggins, Marketing Officer, Mary Beth Lyons, Executive Assistant, Jay Connell, Stephanie Balmer, President/CEO, Susan Sammons, Owner, Sherri Boyd, Hospice Director, Susan Darnell, RN, and Stephanie Hunter, Hospice Coordinator.

MSU Trombone Studio Donates Meals to MCCH Employees

Posted on January 3, 2023 by - The Foundation

The Murray State University Trombone Studio recently held a BBQ fundraiser catered by Dustin Wells, a local music teacher and MSU Music Education Alumni for students to hear performances by top tier trombone teachers and performers. Individuals could donate their meals as part of the fundraiser. The trombone studio donated nearly 50 meals during Homecoming weekend to staff at Murray-Calloway County Hospital to show appreciation for the care they provide to the community.

Meditation Garden at The Regional Cancer Center will be Named in Recognition of the Rileys

Posted on November 3, 2022 by - General News, The Foundation

MURRAY, KY – The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital recently received a donation from Roy and Jennifer Riley of Murray, KY to support fundraising efforts for the Enduring Hope Campaign and toward the meditation garden at the new Regional Cancer Center that is currently under construction and expected to be complete late spring 2023.

The Rileys have been generous supporters of helping in the fight against cancer through various efforts including: Roy’s current participation in the Men in Pink campaign, helping share their story in Jennifer’s fight against breast cancer, and most recently by donating funds toward a new meditation garden for patients undergoing treatment.

Jennifer says being able to donate to the program is incredibly special. Jennifer’s journey began when she was diagnosed in November of 2020 after a routine mammogram followed by an ultrasound. She then had to undergo a biopsy and results showed it was Stage 3 breast cancer. Jennifer did not have the gene for breast cancer and she had zero family history.  However, she was 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Jennifer began her journey with a lumpectomy and then had an additional surgery because there was cancer still showing in the margins. She underwent chemotherapy known as the “red devil” and then 12 weeks of another chemo called Taxol. Due to an autoimmune disease, Jennifer experienced complications and became hospitalized on three different occasions. In addition, she completed radiation treatments and continues today with hormone treatment due to having a hormone positive cancer.

One of the difficult things she experienced during her journey was having to attend her treatments and appointments alone due to the pandemic and Covid restrictions. Jennifer was thankful for the cancer center which allowed her to do treatments close to home. The comfort of seeing familiar faces and people she knew gave her some peace during such a scary time.

Living on the lake and being surrounded by nature and water helped create a peaceful and therapeutic environment for her. When she heard about the meditation garden, she knew that was a perfect fit to help provide some comfort for patients undergoing treatment. Infusions can last anywhere from an hour to multiple hours, so having a view of a beautiful garden creates feelings of peace, calm and well-being.

“Everyone has been touched by cancer, and too many lives have been lost to this terrible disease,” said Jennifer Riley. “We are so fortunate to have this leading cancer center here in Murray. We hope this donation inspires others to give to a center that will take care of families for years to come. As a patient, I wanted to give back to an organization that gave me new life. We know there are people before us who gave, and it is our turn to pay it forward.”

The meditation garden is strategically located just out front of the infusion bay windows for patients to enjoy while receiving treatment. The infusion bays will allow patients to have a choice of having privacy during their treatments or be in a community environment. The hope is for patients to experience respite from the rigors of cancer treatment and to enjoy emotional, spiritual and physical benefits associated with nature. Spending time in the garden may promote:

  • Physical activity and social interaction
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Relief or distraction from symptoms
  • Enhanced capacity for healing
  • Feelings of peace, calm and well-being

The Enduring Hope campaign continues to raise money for this new $12 million Regional Cancer Center which will bring the oncologists, social workers, pharmacy, and infusion area under one roof. The centerpiece of the new Regional Cancer Center’s equipment will be a state-of-the-art linear accelerator that can deliver stereotactic radiation therapy.

“We are giving back because they saved Jennifer’s life. We owe a debt of gratitude to the hospital, to the nurses, to Dr. Ghanem and other physicians because they did a great job for Jennifer. This is the least we can do to help make sure that we have excellent facilities right here at home to help the next person who is facing the same thing that Jennifer had to walk through,” said Roy.

 The Rileys know this investment will pay off for years to come.

There are many opportunities available for individuals to make personal contributions, various naming opportunities for different areas and rooms within the new facility, and availability for business or corporate partnerships to contribute.

“We are deeply grateful for Roy and Jennifer’s generosity,” said Jerry Penner, CEO at MCCH. “Because of their generosity, patients will be impacted by the healing effects of a meditation garden that will provide hope and comfort during their cancer journey.”

For more information on how you can support the building of a new Regional Cancer Center in Murray, please contact Lisa Shoemaker, Senior Philanthropy Officer at 270.762.1291.

The Murray-Calloway County Hospital is the only nonprofit healthcare facility in our county. The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital is a 501C3. All donations are tax deductible according to Federal and State laws.

Altrai Donates $2,000 to Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House

Posted on November 3, 2022 by - Donor Stories, The Foundation

MURRAY, KY – Altria Client Services recently presented a $2,000 donation to The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital in support of the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House.

White says, “I hope we can do this every year. Hospice was great during my grandfather’s passing.”

Pictured from left: Lisa Shoemaker, Senior Philanthropy Officer and Cody White, Grower Representative for the Region

The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital Hosts Eleventh Annual Golf Tournament Set for September 16th

Posted on November 3, 2022 by - The Foundation

MURRAY, KY – The eleventh annual Golf Classic hosted by the Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital, offers cash prizes and will be held Friday, September 16 at the Miller Memorial Golf Course.

The last tournament brought in over 100 golfers last year, raising close to $32,000. One hundred percent of the proceeds go toward the Enduring Hope Campaign in the building of a new regional cancer center.

The golf tournament, sponsored by McConnell Insurance Agency in Murray, is a 4-person scramble with morning and afternoon sessions available. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, green fees, golf shirt and cart rental are all included in the registration cost. A mulligan/skirt/throw package is also available for purchase.

The lunch is catered and donated by Sirloin Stockade of Murray.

Golfers for the morning session will check in at 6:30 a.m. and tee off at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., as well as check-in for the afternoon session. The afternoon session will begin at 1 p.m. with a shotgun start. Awards will be handed out at 5:30 p.m.

A four-person team is the following costs: Pre-registration by Aug. 24th ensures shirt at the golf tournament – otherwise they will be mailed at a later date.

  • $450 (green fees, golf carts, shirts)
  • $500 (green fees, golf carts, shirts, PLUS four mulligan packages)
  • $1,500 (green fees, golf carts, shirts, four mulligan packages, and HOLE sponsorship)
  • Hole in one – sponsored by David Taylor Chrysler – 2021 Jeep Wrangler – Hole 18

    Registration forms are available by calling (270) 762-1291. Pre-registration is required. Hole sponsorships are $1,200 (without player fees) or $1,500 (which includes team registration, shirts, and mulligan/skirt/throw package).

The Foundation supports MCCH and the community through numerous philanthropic opportunities such as the Enduring Hope Campaign, purchase of new, state-of-the-art medical equipment and more. For more information, visit https://murraycurrent.wpengine.com/the-foundation/.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital Honors Volunteers

Posted on May 2, 2022 by - General News, The Foundation

The many volunteers of Murray-Calloway County Hospital were recognized and thanked for their hours of service to MCCH.

The MCCH Auxiliary was formally begun in August of 1981 to serve as a volunteer organization to support MCCH. Auxiliary members donated their time and money to the hospital and its mission of providing health care to the community. Since 1981, volunteers have donated more than 100,000 total hours to MCCH.

  • Most Hours in 2021: Lloyd Weatherly – 382 hours

For more information on volunteering opportunities at MCCH, please call Kim Lindsey at 270-762-1906.

Pictured: Jerry Penner, CEO, Wanda Mullins, Doug Mullins, Jane Bright, Sandra Hakos, Cynthia Elliot, Sharon Myatt, and Lloyd Weatherly.

Not pictured: Annie Litwiller, Barbara Shade, Brianna Hunter, Mike Faihst, Stephanie Rule

Murray-Calloway County Hospital Announces Milk Bank Donation

Posted on March 14, 2022 by - Donor Stories, The Foundation

Murray-Calloway County Hospital (MCCH), and The Milk Bank (TMB) received a donation of nearly 24.14 pounds totaling 398.02 lbs. from Janna French of Paris, TN, to support the new program.

As a part of the program, Janna had to follow specific guidelines that included an initial screening, nutrition diary, and no medications in her regular routine.

A Milk Depot is a site where approved donor mothers can drop off frozen, surplus breast milk. The milk is transported to The Milk Bank in Indianapolis to be pasteurized and distributed to NICUs and outpatient families throughout the Midwest. Ideal candidates for milk donors are non-smoking women in good general health who take limited to no medications or herbal supplements. For clarification on eligibility, contact The Milk Bank at (317) 536-1670 or visit themilkbank.org/donate-milk.

In the absence of an infant’s own mother’s milk, pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) offers many of the same benefits, such as optimal nutrition, easy digestibility, and immunologic protection against organisms and diseases. The Milk Bank aims to encourage breastfeeding mothers and provide PDHM for any infant or child with medical necessity.

About The Milk Bank

The Milk Bank was established to improve health outcomes for premature and ill infants, foster better health for children and decrease health care expenditures. The Milk Bank receives human milk from carefully screened donors, pasteurizes, freezes, and distributes it throughout the United States. As a non-profit, community-supported entity, The Milk Bank is the first and only human milk bank in Indiana. The Milk Bank is a proud member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital Announces Milk Bank Donation

Posted on February 8, 2022 by - Donor Stories, The Foundation

Murray-Calloway County Hospital (MCCH), and The Milk Bank (TMB) received a donation of nearly 90 ounces from Angela Taylor of Murray to support the new program.

“As a mother of eight children ranging from 18 years to 1 year in age, this is something that I have wanted to do for years.  However, until recently there have been no milk bank donating sites in our area.  I wanted to give my support to others by giving back…giving at risk babies something that might give them that extra boost that they need to thrive.  I have known so many women that have wanted to breastfeed and for various reasons couldn’t. I’ve been blessed to be able to do so easily, so why not share my blessing with others,” Angela commented.

She wanted to give back to the community and she had great experiences with the delivery of seven of her eight children at Murray Hospital.

As a part of the program, Angela had to follow specific guidelines that included an initial screening, nutrition diary, and inform the program about any medications in her regular routine. Any routine medication has to meet the standards and approval of The Milk Bank.  She also completed specific blood work established by the organization. After receiving approval, she then received a donor number and is responsible for providing updates on any illnesses or changes in medication.

A Milk Depot is a site where approved donor mothers can drop off frozen, surplus breast milk. The milk is transported to The Milk Bank in Indianapolis to be pasteurized and distributed to NICUs and outpatient families throughout the Midwest. Ideal candidates for milk donors are non-smoking women in good general health who take limited to no medications or herbal supplements. For clarification on eligibility, contact The Milk Bank at (317) 536-1670 or visit themilkbank.org/donate-milk.

In the absence of an infant’s own mother’s milk, pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) offers many of the same benefits, such as optimal nutrition, easy digestibility, and immunologic protection against organisms and diseases. The Milk Bank aims to encourage breastfeeding mothers and provide PDHM for any infant or child with medical necessity.

About The Milk Bank

The Milk Bank was established to improve health outcomes for premature and ill infants, foster better health for children and decrease health care expenditures. The Milk Bank receives human milk from carefully screened donors, pasteurizes, freezes, and distributes it throughout the United States. As a non-profit, community-supported entity, The Milk Bank is the first and only human milk bank in Indiana. The Milk Bank is a proud member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.

Kopperuds Donate $15,000 to Enduring Hope Campaign

Posted on December 22, 2021 by - Donor Stories, The Foundation

The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital recently received a $15,000.00 donation from Bill & Kathy Kopperud of Murray, KY to support fundraising eforts for the Enduring Hope Campaign.

Enduring Hope was launched to raise money for a new Regional Cancer Center at Murray-Calloway County Hospital. The initiative is set to raise $6 million for entire construction. MCCH plans to open the new facility in 2023.

“We just met our first campaign goal of raising $1 million towards the project and we have just began our efforts,” said Lisa Shoemaker, Senior Philanthropy Officer of The Foundation at MCCH.

The Foundation is accepting donations and has several naming opportunities available.

“This is such an important project for the Murray and Calloway community, to keep healthcare here at home and we fully support Enduring Hope and hope others do the same,” said Kathy Kopperud. “Every family in our community has been affected by cancer in one way or another.”

Kopperud serves on the Enduring Hope committee for The Foundation.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital’s Foundation Hosts Campaign to Raise Funds and to Support Men in Pink of Calloway County

Posted on November 22, 2021 by - The Foundation

The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital recently hosted a virtual telethon “Call Out Cancer” in October on the MCCH FaceBook page. The FaceBook Live event featured different personalities and nightly entertainment and recognized our Men in Pink of Calloway County. In conjunction, Calloway County Men in Pink coordinated by Martha Andrus and Kelly Chapman together raised $97,744.

The funds raised will go directly to the Enduring Hope Campaign to build a new Regional Cancer Center. The funds will support new cancer technology including a new linear accelerator, and private infusion bays.

A special thank you to our nightly community sponsors for the virtual telethon, which included the following:

Monday – CFSB & Bacon, Farmer, and Workman Engineering and Testing/Marcum Engineering
Tuesday – FNB & Meineke
Wednesday – Markethouse Realty
Thursday – David Taylor Chrysler
Friday – Murray Anesthesia Group

We would also like to thank our Men in Pink of Calloway County who went above and beyond to raise funds and keep them local to support cancer patients and families in our region. Listed are the MIP in order of funds raised.

Chip Adams – $22,645, Matt Price, $21,939, Colin Fitzgerald, $8,631, Darren Yates, $7,372, Jeffrey Rudy, $6,605, Chuck Williams, $5,320, Dan Otterson, $3,421, Lance Allison, $1,815, Matt Purdy, $1,685 and Trevor Saucier, $790.

“The Men in Pink of Calloway County was just an outstanding effort on the part of these group of guys to really be creative and create awareness in the community to raise funds for a new cancer center that will impact lives for years to come,” said Jerry Penner, CEO.